The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c9.177

v1.c9.177

3rd.—The so-called "sailor's scarf" tied by a knot in front of the neck is a veritable Indian dress of the lower orders, the *pīṭha-vastra*. It is especially assigned by Indian poets to Kṛṣṇa and his shepherd associates. In scenes representing the early lives of Baladeva and Kṛṣṇa, those personages are invariably dressed in the present day with this article of attire. It may appear like a short Greek cloak, but in reality it is not a made dress, but a square scarf tied by the two upper corners round the neck, and not secured by a clasp or *febula*.